THPS Launches Strategic Plan III, Setting a New Five-Year Direction for Health Impact
Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) has launched its third Strategic Plan (2026–2030), marking the beginning of a new five-year chapter focused on resilient health systems, equitable access to quality services, sustainable financing, stronger partnerships and responsible use of digital innovation and technology.
The Strategic Plan III was officially launched in Dar es Salaam by Prof. Tumaini Nagu, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Health at the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, during an event that brought together representatives from Government in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, development partners, civil society, academia and research institutions, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, THPS founders and members, the Governing Body, staff and the media.
The launch went beyond unveiling a strategic document. A powerful personal testimony by Asia Abinala, a documentary showcasing THPS’s journey and impact, and an expert panel discussion brought to life the people, partnerships and experiences that have shaped the organization and its contribution to Tanzania’s health sector.
Reflecting on the event, THPS Executive Director Dr Redempta Mbatia described the launch as “well planned, classy and impactful,” noting the strong representation and engagement of stakeholders throughout the event.
“This is THPS in action,” she said.
Building on Experience, Looking to the Future
Strategic Plan III builds on THPS’s achievements and lessons from the 2021–2025 strategic period while responding to a rapidly changing health landscape characterized by shifting disease patterns, emerging public health threats, climate-related risks, technological advances and changes in global health financing.
During the previous strategic period, THPS contributed to national efforts addressing HIV and tuberculosis; reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health; non-communicable diseases; mental health; and emerging public health threats. The organization also supported the strengthening of health information, supply chain and community systems.
“This Strategic Plan comes at an important time for Tanzania and for the global health community. Health needs are changing, technology is transforming how services can be delivered, and the financing environment is changing. We must therefore adapt while remaining firmly focused on the people and communities we serve,” Dr Mbatia said.
Ten Key Result Areas to Guide THPS Through 2030
The new strategy identifies 10 Key Result Areas (KRAs) that will guide THPS’s programs and institutional development over the next five years.
These cover reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health; global health security and emerging diseases; infectious and neglected tropical diseases; non-communicable diseases and mental health; health promotion, risk communication and community engagement; social welfare protection and psychosocial support; climate change, environment and health; sustainable financing and risk management; digital innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and systems strengthening; and institutional governance and organizational capacity.
A key feature of the strategy is its increased emphasis on digital innovation and responsible use of AI. THPS will explore appropriate applications of digital technologies in areas such as disease surveillance, clinical and program decision-making, laboratory and supply-chain management, service continuity and access to care, while maintaining strong safeguards around data protection, cybersecurity, ethics and human oversight.
Partnerships at the Heart of the Strategy
Launching the Strategic Plan, Prof. Nagu commended THPS for placing partnership, sustainability, innovation and health-system resilience at the centre of its future direction.
“The health challenges before us require strong partnerships and sustainable solutions. We welcome partners who align their investments with national priorities, strengthen our health systems, and help ensure that quality services reach people wherever they live,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of primary healthcare, universal health coverage, domestic resource mobilization, digital transformation and evidence-based decision-making, urging THPS and its partners to translate the strategy into measurable improvements in health services and outcomes.
THPS Governing Board Chairperson Dr Rumishael Shoo underscored the importance of strong leadership and accountability in turning the strategy into results, while Chief Operations Officer George Anatory emphasized the collective contribution of Government, communities, development partners, academia, civil society, the private sector and THPS staff to the organization’s journey.
“We move forward together, measuring success not by reports, but by healthier lives across Tanzania and beyond,” Anatory said.
From Strategy to Action
Strategic Plan III also responds to the changing global health financing landscape by placing greater emphasis on sustainable financing and diversified partnerships, including stronger engagement with Government, the private sector, local investors, philanthropic organizations and other partners.
For THPS, the successful launch marks the beginning of the next phase: turning the strategy into action and measurable results.
